|
|
Kiana Honarmand is an artist born and raised in Iran. Her work addresses issues related to her cultural identity, the treatment of women in Iran, censorship, surveillance, and the Western perception of the Middle East. Derived from her interest in different materials and processes, Kiana’s interdisciplinary practice features the use of digital fabrication tools as well as traditional methods of craft. In 2012, Kiana moved to the United States to pursue and complete her Master of Fine Arts degree. She currently lives and works in the Bay Area. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and Internationally.
Published on March 2nd, 2020. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What projects are you working on right now?
I am working on a few different projects that explore the subject of my identity as an Iranian woman living in the US, issues regarding my past and my present life. I am exploring these ideas via different media such as sculpture, mixed media, video and installation. My goal is to eventually create an immersive installation to create an experience for the viewers.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
I always try to create deadlines for myself by constantly writing proposals and applying for different opportunities. I always find myself working more efficiently if I am working towards a deadline. I also try to keep a set schedule for studio time so I know I have times dedicated for just art. Another thing that I find helpful is having studio visits with other artists. That keeps me motivated to create new work and also get inspired by my peers.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
In my opinion, having a creative career at times can be difficult because you can work very hard and not always be appreciated or get paid for all the work you do. For me, the process of creating things and expressing myself is a necessity and has helped me a lot during difficult times. I keep reminding myself that there isn't anything in the world that I would rather be doing. Another thing that keeps me motivated is when people make a deep connection with my work which makes me believe that I should keep doing what I do.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
In ten years, I would love to be able to support myself financially by making my work. I would love to have my art in permanent collections of museums and have gallery representations. I love for my work to reach a broader audience so I can have a conversation about the cultural identity of Middle Eastern women in the current political climate.
What projects are you working on right now?
I am working on a few different projects that explore the subject of my identity as an Iranian woman living in the US, issues regarding my past and my present life. I am exploring these ideas via different media such as sculpture, mixed media, video and installation. My goal is to eventually create an immersive installation to create an experience for the viewers.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
I always try to create deadlines for myself by constantly writing proposals and applying for different opportunities. I always find myself working more efficiently if I am working towards a deadline. I also try to keep a set schedule for studio time so I know I have times dedicated for just art. Another thing that I find helpful is having studio visits with other artists. That keeps me motivated to create new work and also get inspired by my peers.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
In my opinion, having a creative career at times can be difficult because you can work very hard and not always be appreciated or get paid for all the work you do. For me, the process of creating things and expressing myself is a necessity and has helped me a lot during difficult times. I keep reminding myself that there isn't anything in the world that I would rather be doing. Another thing that keeps me motivated is when people make a deep connection with my work which makes me believe that I should keep doing what I do.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
In ten years, I would love to be able to support myself financially by making my work. I would love to have my art in permanent collections of museums and have gallery representations. I love for my work to reach a broader audience so I can have a conversation about the cultural identity of Middle Eastern women in the current political climate.
Find Kiana Honarmand on Instagram
